MPs revolt against Jeremy Hunt's hospital reforms

Tuesday 11 March 2014 12:35 BST

Former health minister Paul Burstow was today leading a revolt against government plans to allow services at successful hospitals to be cut to rescue failing trusts.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was trying to push through the change in the Commons after losing a court battle to downgrade Lewisham Hospital as part of reforms to South London Healthcare NHS Trust, which had been losing £1 million a week.

Mr Burstow, Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam, has tabled an amendment to stop special administrators being able to push through shake-ups without the backing of GPs. “It’s wrong that a special administrator should be able to downgrade services at a successful hospital just because a neighbouring one is failing,” he said.

Around 20 Lib-Dem and Tory MPs were expected to back him. Labour has put down its own amendment to block the measures, which it says will give ministers sweeping powers to close hospitals.